Quarles & Brady Names Kelli Edson Office Managing Partner of the Tampa Office

TAMPA, FL. — The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP and its firm chair Kimberly Leach Johnson today announced that partner Kelli A. Edson has been selected as the new Tampa office managing partner effective immediately.

Edson succeeds David A. Beyer, who became office managing partner in 2012. Beyer will continue to serve as a partner in the firm’s Franchise & Distribution practice.

“Kelli embodies the firm’s shared vision to pursue excellent legal work, strengthen client relationships and give back to the community through pro bono efforts,” said firm chair Kimberly Leach Johnson. “Her genuine dedication to client service and helping colleagues succeed will enable her to lead the Tampa office and continue David’s vision for the firm.”

Edson is partner in the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice and serves as the Tampa Commercial Litigation office chair. She is also the Tampa recruiting partner and a member of the Associate Development Committee.

As a founding partner in the Tampa office, Edson provides counsel for clients on various litigation matters including trusts, real estate, insurance, investments, contracts, bankruptcy, torts, products liability, class actions, premises liability, landlord/tenant disputes, securities, intellectual property, telecommunications, technology and unfair trade practices.

She was listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2016, the 2013-2016 Florida Super Lawyers®, and included in Florida Trend magazine's "Florida Legal Elite" list.

“Tampa is an incredibly dynamic and important market for the firm, and I am honored to be stepping into the office managing partner role,” said Kelli Edson. “Since the Tampa office opened in 2010, David has been an outstanding leader, and I am determined to continue his momentum and high standards for excellent client service.”

In addition to her legal practice, Edson has also worked with Bay Area Legal Services to assist victims of domestic violence in petitioning the court for injunctions for protection as part of the Domestic Violence Assistance Project. She has also served as a mentor to female law students through the Mentoring Committee of the Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers and has assisted students in various educational mock trial programs.

“Kelli harnesses all of the qualities you would want to have in a leader,” said David Beyer. “I look forward to watching her embrace this opportunity, and strengthen the firm’s relationships with clients and the community.”

As a partner in the Franchise & Distribution practice, Beyer advises clients on franchise and other distribution programs and agreements, disclosure and registration laws, supply chain, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions and capital raising. His experience extends across several industry sectors including hospitality, health care, automotive, publications, real estate and business brokerage, education and childcare facilities and retail merchandising, among others.

Edson received her B.A., with honors, from Harvard University, and her J.D., with honors, from the University of Michigan Law School.